The biggest and best event of its kind in Gloucestershire so far, 2018's Drag Wars final was an incredible display of talent, sass and fierce pride shown by some of the bravest people in the county.

Organised by Drag Queen superstar herself Misty Monique, the final took place on Saturday and was a sold out show of sequins, glitter and make up to put Kylie Jenner to shame.

The event was hosted at local music hotspot, The Frog and Fiddle, on the lower end of Cheltenham High Street, which sees a constant stream and array of talented local artists from all over Gloucestershire as well as some more known national names.

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Three of the finalists L-R (Sage, Ravenna and Astro) (Image: Rickie Leyshon)

Misty said: "This year has been the toughest yet, over 19 Queens applied at the beginning of the competition and the talent and quality of the contestants has been amazing. Planning this show has taken over my life since the beginning of the year, we started planning it in January and talk about it literally every day of the year."

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Misty Monique commented on her winners and contestants: "This year has been widely regarded as the most exciting, intense and biggest ever.

All contestants did fantastically but those few that made the final should feel very proud of themselves. They all successfully beat out many other competitors from all over the UK in a very difficult year of the contest.

I went into the final without a clue as to who would win, it was a very even playing field and that speaks volumes about the level of talent they all have.

Ravenna is about to have an insane year, she's truly become a sister of mine and she is a total star. She's taken over from 2017 Winner Isabell End and has some very very big size 13 heels to fill but I know she can do it.

So much passion and drive behind her and an incredibly supportive unit of family and friends too which is so very important. I know she's going to shine and I can not wait to watch her grow and develop into something amazing!"

Ravenna performed in the final heat with Sage, during which time they both wowed audience members with on-point lip syncing and powerful dance moves.

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Speaking of the win Rickie wrote on Facebook:

"I don't know where to start. Last night was such a huge moment in my life and words will never express the amount of pride and honour I feel to have been crowned Gloucestershire Drag Superstar 2018.

This journey has been one of the best experiences, with so much support, love and confidence thrown at me in all directions possible from the people I know and love and also people I don't know and love!

This platform will allow me to express my true self within an art form I adore so much so thank you each and every one of you who voted for me.

Thank you to Misty Monique for this AMAZING opportunity along with all the support and love you've shown me and continue to show me. All the messages building me up while I've been poorly during this journey and other messaging calming me down or talking me through my anxiety leading up to each performance! Without you this wouldn't and couldn't have been possible!

I'm so proud to be carrying your legacy.

Peace, Love and a dash of Sass Always,

Your Queen

Ravenna Slayshon"

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Runner up Sage expressed an opinion by a majority of the Queens: "I'm so proud to have done this well. I've only been doing drag a few months now and this competition has presented me with an amazing platform to express my creativity and who I am."

Events such as these would seem to be more at home in bigger more notable Pride recognised cities such as Brighton or Edinburgh. But as this sold out show - these Queens and proud members of the LGBTQ community are refusing to let Gloucestershire get lost in the noise.

Not to be forgotten in a hurry, the Queens will be back on December 15th, 2018 for 'Oh My Drag! presents- An X-Rated Xmas'. Organiser Misty Monique has also caused excitement amongst the drag queen superfan communities with talk of a 'Drag Wars Allstars' show.

This county is absolutely brimming with supreme talent and these Drag Queens are here to demand that we see it and recognise it for the incredible power it has and holds.